Buenas Noches, Gorila: A Cozy Bedtime Escape
As a mom navigating the daily whirlwind of parenting, our bedtime routine can sometimes feel like a gentle battleground. After dinner, bath time, and a spirited round of “who can jump higher,” I often find myself yearning for a peaceful moment—a chance to unwind with the kids before they tumble into dreamland. This is how Buenas Noches, Gorila by Peggy Rathmann found its way into our collection. It caught my eye because not only is it a splendid Spanish edition, but it is a delightful blend of silliness and cuddles that has now become a bedtime staple.
In this charming story, we follow a sneaky little gorilla who, while the zookeeper says goodnight to his animal friends, sets off a delightful (and hilarious) chain reaction. The illustrations are playful and engaging, filled with delightful details that both my kids and I found captivating. Each turn of the page reveals animals who seem to possess their own mischief, whether it’s a cheeky baby elephant peeking out or a parade of animals trailing behind the zookeeper. The minimalist text invites lots of room for imagination, leaving my toddler and I giggling and inventing our own humorous dialogue as we read together.
My children, ages 2 and 4, have completely fallen for this book. The repeated phrase "buenas noches" has become a sweet tradition in our evening reading ritual. I can’t tell you how many times they’ve joined in, their little voices echoing, “¡Buenas noches, gorila!” It’s a moment of pure joy, seeing them engage so enthusiastically. There’s something wonderfully touching about sharing not just a story, but also a language that we are all learning together; it makes our connection even deeper.
The illustrations are another highlight; they are vivid and peculiar, offering a delightful experience. My kids often point out the small details lurking in the background—other animals peeking from behind the scenes or even a balloon floating by, which invites us to play a game of “Where’s the balloon?” Each bedtime becomes an adventure, as my little ones invent tales about what happens next for the sneaky gorilla and his friends.
One of my favorite lines is when the gorilla tiptoes behind the zookeeper. The tension builds, and I can feel my children holding their breath, anticipating what will happen next. This magical anticipation is the perfect way to wind down the day, where chaos gives way to peace—at least for a little while!
If you’re looking for a book that will keep the laughter rolling and the heartwarming moments flowing, I wholeheartedly recommend Buenas noches, Gorila. It’s perfect for ages 1 to 3, but honestly, I think it would appeal to any child with a dash of curiosity and a love for animals. It’s a stellar addition to any bedtime reading list and proves to be more than just a one-time read; this is a book that has woven itself into the fabric of our nightly routine.
In the end, it’s the joys of these simple moments that hearten me as a mom. Watching my kids’ faces light up over the adventures of a mischievous gorilla reminds me that amidst the chaos, there is pure magic in storytime. Happy reading!
Discover the adorable adventures of Buenas noches, Gorila! >>
